Emergency management for congenital tracheal stenosis with endoluminal stenting in pediatric intensive care units

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to share our experience in the management of congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) using self-expanding intraluminal stents in infants. Methods: From January 2010 to August 2012, 31 infants with CTS treated using stents by bronchoscope in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) were recruited for this study. Results: Among the 31 patients, 17 were male and 14 were female with their ages ranging from 55 days to 22 months. CTS was associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) in 22 patients. There were no immediate stent-related airway complications. A significant and immediate improvement of respiratory obstruction following stent placement in all 31 patients led to successful weaning from the breathing machine and extubation. Granulation tissue formation as a complication was observed in three (9.7%) patients, but all were successfully managed using cryotherapy. During follow up (up to 24 months), stents in 29 infants remained functional. In seven cases, stents were retrieved under bronchoscope (the same day to 10 months), and three cases required stent replacement (each of the three cases had the stent replaced three times). Nine infants died after stenting due to other causes and two infants abandoned treatment. Conclusion: Airway stenting may provide an important therapeutic option in infants with CTS.